Landscapes
Use tupperware and single-well plates for experiments which require
high reproducibility and low cost, use 3D-printing for unique designs
and more complex networks.
3D-Printing
3D-printing is overall relatively easy to perform in the lab, however
it can be time consuming and there are limits to the size you are able
to print. One advantage of the printing system we have is its high
resolution, but this also means that you are restricted to the size of
approximately 150 x 150 x 150mm. I would recommend using this system to
print individual units and then build a larger system together (like
legos). This will allow for the creation of flexible, complex systems
that best utilize the properties of the printer. Also make sure to
3D-print compatible lids so that the collembola can’t jump out!
- Software
- Use OnShape to create designs. Students can make free accounts and
it’s compatible with the printer.
- Use PreForm to upload designs to make adjustments before printing
and to select correct resin, resolution, etc.
- I have had issues with wireless connection between the printer and
the device with PreForm, so instead I have used the USB cord to connect
my laptop to the computer to upload the design.
- Pipeline: design in OnShape, download design as .stl file, open in
PreForm, adjust as necessary, upload print. Save print jobs as .form
files.
- Printer
- Model is Form 2.
- I’ve only ever used Color Base resin with Cyan from previous user
(almost empty). We also have a full Clear resin cartridge and lots of
other color pigments.
- If the printer screen is frozen (unable to select a print), try
unplugging and replugging the printer.
- Wear gloves when working with resin!
- Wash
- Model is Form Wash (1st Generation).
- The user before me did not properly clean the resin from the wash,
meaning that the fan at the bottom is stuck in place. You might be able
to fix this by dissolving the hardened resin in IPA, but it isn’t fully
necessary for the print to get washed.
- I used IPA as the solvent.
- Cure
- Model is Form Cure (1st Generation).
- Curing is not necessary for all prints, but a good idea to optimize
the properties of the resin.
Tupperware
- Mainly used for maintenance populations.
- Ensure that a corner of the tupperware is not fully sealed to allow
for airflow. Unless the populations are very dense the collembola will
not climb the walls/lids of the tupperware. Lightly tapping the lids of
the containers before opening them will reduce the likelihood of them
jumping/spilling out.
- If you observe mold growing on the lids, remove it with tweezers or
a paper towel.
Single-Well Plates
- Link to
order.
- Dimensions (128 x 86mm) work well for imaging with the D7000.
- Since they are more shallow than the tupperware containers, when
lifting up the lids be careful of collembola jumping out. Slowly lifting
the lid straight up will reduce this.